Deadline delayed, but action’s still urgent
The UK government has announced that the planned nationwide shutdown of Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters will no longer occur all at once. Instead of the full cut-off originally scheduled after 30 June 2025, the retirement of RTS technology will be implemented in small, regional phases, ensuring suppliers contact homes and businesses well ahead of time.
Yet, around 300,000 to 530,000 RTS meters are still active, especially across Scotland and rural parts of the UK . These meters rely on a long-wave radio signal—broadcast alongside BBC Radio 4—to control Economy 7-style off-peak heating and hot water systems. When the switch-off begins in your area, a meter left unchanged could freeze on peak rates—or worse, leave your heating system stuck on or off, causing serious disruption or unexpectedly high bills.
Suppliers are working tirelessly to resolve this: daily installations have surged to about 1,800 per day, compared to just 1,000 monthly previously . Major energy firms like Octopus, EDF, and British Gas are urging customers to upgrade, with thousands still awaiting replacement. Meanwhile, Ofgem is closely supervising suppliers to make sure no one is left without heating or hot water, and that billing remains fair.
What this means for your business:
Once the phased switch-off hits your region, your current tariff won’t switch automatically, and heating systems may malfunction. This isn’t just a compliance issue—it’s a risk to operations and energy costs. Smart meters offer a modern replacement, giving reliable tariff switching, real-time usage insights, and automated billing.
Here’s How Black Sheep Utilities Can Help:
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Free Meter Audit: We’ll confirm if you’re on an RTS meter and recommend the right upgrade path.
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Ongoing Support: After we switch you over, we’ll help you get the best tariff, monitor usage, and ensure accurate billing.
Your energy system shouldn’t leave you in the cold—literally or metaphorically. Contact Black Sheep Utilities now, and we’ll guide your business seamlessly through the RTS transition, keeping hot water, heating, and tariff savings exactly where they should be.